Joy & Heartache – Phiri & Tau’s Cup Fate Confirmed

It was very much a bitter sweet night for South African footballers abroad last night as Lebogang Phiri reached a cup final in France, while Percy Tau crashed out of the Belgian Cup.

See the scenes from Phiri's historic win in France in the gallery above

Tau was up first on Wednesday evening as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise went up against an in-form KV Mechelen for a spot in the Croky Cup final after drawing 0-0 in the away leg, but – despite going close on numerous occasions – the Bafana Bafana international was unable to help his team to victory during his 90 minutes on the field.

There was, however, better luck for Phiri as he was given another place in EA Guingamp’s starting XI by Jocelyn Gourvennec against Monaco in the semifinal of the Coupe de la Ligue. The 24-year-old completed the game as EAG fought back from 2-0 down to take the game to penalties with a 2-2 draw.

Phiri, who came up against former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea man, Cesc Fabregas, calmly slotted away his penalty – Guingamp’s sixth – as the small side from the north of France booked their place in the final of the tournament for the first time in their history.

Check out this penalty from Lebo Phiri to keep EA Guingamp in the #CoupedelaLigue tonight before Marcus Coco finished the job…